Hair extension

ABSTRACT

This disclosure concerns a hair extension unit, and a related method for manufacture thereof, wherein a plurality of rows containing human or synthetic hair are each attached to a band in order from a bottom end of the band to a top end thereof, one above another, and one or a plurality of clips are further attached to the band at a side opposite the rows of hair.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention is related to a hair extension unit, and more particularly, a volume-optimizing clip-in hair extension unit configured to be used independently, or in combination with a plurality of hair extension units, in order to add length and/or fullness to human hair of a user.

Description of the Related Art

Artificial hair integrations, more commonly known as “hair extensions” or “hair weaves”, are used to add length and/or fullness to human hair. Hair extensions are usually clipped, glued, or sewed on to other hair by incorporating additional human or synthetic hair. Natural human hair can be permed, dyed, and flat ironed whereas synthetic hair cannot. These methods include tape in extensions, clip-in or clip-on extensions, fusion method, weaving method, and wigs.

It is difficult to make a hair extension unit with more than a few layers of hair, especially consistently spaced rows of hair, and as a result the fullness or volume of hair in conventional hair extension units is rather limited.

For example, one problem occurs when placing to much hair in the same space, which tends to cause bulging, and increases the likelihood of shedding. Adhesive has limited capacity for bonding hair, especially with a width of adhesive as conventionally applied, thus increasing the adhesive is the only way to decrease shedding, but still results in a bulge, which defeats the effectiveness of a flat laying hair extensions.

There is a continued need for improved hair extension units which address these and other problems known to one having skill in the art.

SUMMARY

This invention discloses a hair extension unit, and a related method for manufacture thereof, wherein a plurality of rows comprising human or synthetic hair are each attached to a band in order from a bottom end of the band to a top end thereof, and one or a plurality of clips are further attached to the band at a side opposite the rows of hair.

In a preferred embodiment, the hair extension unit comprises a band having a thickness of about 1 inch, and eight rows of hair attached to the band, each of the eight rows of hair comprising about ⅛^(th) inch thickness and applied along a length of the band, with a first of the eight rows of hair attached along a bottom end of the band, and each successive row of the eight rows of hair being attached one above another along the length of the band or a portion thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become apparent to one having the ordinary level of skill in the art upon a thorough review of the following details and descriptions, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a top-view of a hair extension unit in accordance with an illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a bottom-view of the hair extension unit in accordance with the illustrated embodiment; and

FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of the hair extension unit in accordance with the illustrated embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, and a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review of the instant disclosure. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention only by the claims, as such scope is not intended to be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.

General Embodiment

In a general embodiment, a hair extension unit is disclosed, the hair extension unit comprises: a band having a length and a width thereof, the width of the band extending from a bottom end to a top end, wherein the width of the band comprises between 0.75 and 1.25 inches.

In addition to the band, the hair extension unit further includes between six and ten rows of hair, the between six and ten rows comprising: a first row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the bottom end, a second row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the first row of hair, a third row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the second row of hair, a fourth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the third row of hair, a fifth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the fourth row of hair, and a sixth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the fifth row of hair. Moreover, the hair extension unit is configured to clip-on to the hair of a user, and for this purpose the hair extension unit further includes one or more clips attached to the band at a side opposite the rows of hair.

The hair may comprise human hair or synthetic hair.

Where the hair extension unit comprises six rows of hair, the sixth row of hair can be attached to the band along the length and adjacent to the top end thereof.

The hair extension unit may comprise eight rows of hair. In this regard, the between six and ten rows of hair may further comprise: a seventh row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the sixth row of hair, and an eighth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the seventh row of hair. Here, the eighth row of hair can be attached to the band along the length and adjacent to the top end thereof.

The hair extension unit may alternatively comprise ten rows of hair. In this regard, the between six and ten rows of hair may further comprise: a ninth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the eighth row of hair, and a tenth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the ninth row of hair. Here, the tenth row of hair can be attached to the band along the length and adjacent to the top end thereof.

In various embodiments, each row of hair comprises a row thickness. For each row of hair of the hair extension unit, said row thickness may comprises between 0.0625 and 0.1250 inches.

In order to attach the hair to the band, each row of hair can be attached to the band by an adhesive.

Preferred Embodiment

In preferred embodiment, a hair extension unit is disclosed, the hair extension unit comprising: a band having a length and a width thereof, the width of the band extending from a bottom end to a top end, wherein the width of the band comprises between 0.75 and 1.25 inches; and between six and ten rows of hair attached to the band. The between six and ten rows of hair comprising: a first row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the bottom end, a second row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the first row of hair, a third row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the second row of hair, a fourth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the third row of hair, a fifth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the fourth row of hair, a sixth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the fifth row of hair; a seventh row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the sixth row of hair, and an eighth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the seventh row of hair. Moreover, the hair extension unit further comprises one or more clips attached to the band at a side opposite the rows of hair. Here, the eighth row of hair can be attached to the band along the length and adjacent to the top end thereof.

The hair of the hair extension unit may comprise human or synthetic hair.

Each row of hair of the hair extension unit comprises a row thickness. For each row of hair, said row thickness comprises between 0.0625 and 0.1250 inches.

Each row of hair is attached to the band by an adhesive, such as any adhesive known to one having the ordinary level of skill in the art.

Illustrated Embodiment

Now, turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a top-view of a hair extension unit 100 in accordance with an illustrated embodiment. Multiple strands of hair 20 are combined together and attached to a band 10 in a series of multiple rows of hair, each of the rows extending from a bottom end to a top end of the band. In this regard, each row of hair is laid one above another progressing from a first layer attached adjacent to the bottom end of the band and going through each layer until the top layer which is attached to the band adjacent to the top end thereof.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom-view of the hair extension unit 100 in accordance with the illustrated embodiment. As described above, multiple strands of hair 20 are combined together and attached to a band 10 in a series of multiple rows of hair, each of the rows extending from a bottom end to a top end of the band. In this regard, each row of hair is laid one above another progressing from a first layer attached adjacent to the bottom end of the band and going through each layer until the top layer which is attached to the band adjacent to the top end thereof. Also shown are clips 30 a; 30 b; 30 c, each attached to the band at a side opposite the hair. The clips are used to attach the hair extension unit to hair of a user. Any clip may be implemented as would be appreciated by one having skill in the art, and may be attached to the band using any conventional means, such as glue, stitching, and the like.

FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of the hair extension unit 100 in accordance with the illustrated embodiment. Here, the hair extension unit is differentiated as comprising a plurality of rows of hair, each attached to the band 10 by an adhesive. Any adhesive suitable for bonding hair to a fabric or polymer band may be utilized. The band is shown being transparent, such that each of eight rows of hair are visible through the band. The band is not required to be transparent, but may be. The band extends along a length (from left to right) and has a width (here about one inch) extending from a bottom end BE to a top end TE. A first row of hair 11 a is attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the bottom end. A second row of hair 11 b is attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the first row of hair. A third row of hair 11 c is attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the second row of hair. A fourth row of hair 11 d is attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the third row of hair. A fifth row of hair 11 e is attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the fourth row of hair. A sixth row of hair 11 f is attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the fifth row of hair. A seventh row of hair 11 g is attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the sixth row of hair. An eighth row of hair 11 h is attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the seventh row of hair. Clips (30 a; 30 b; 30 c) are each attached to the band at a side opposite the hair.

While three clips are shown, any number of clips may be implemented.

Each row of hair of the eight rows illustrated in FIG. 3 comprises a row thickness. The row thickness is between 0.0625 and 0.125 inches. A small space or gap may be provided between each of the rows of hair to separate each row by a distance, such as up to 0.125 inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, the band comprises width of about one inch.

However, in other embodiments the band may comprise a width between about 0.750 and 1.250 inches.

The eighth row of hair (or in another embodiment the upper-most row) may be attached to the band along the length and adjacent to the top end TE.

Where dimensions are described herein, such dimensions have been found to provide optimal results and to have a substantive impact on functionality and use of the device for the intended purpose. As such, these dimensions are not merely arbitrary, but have a specific and intended functional purpose. For example, it has been recognized that the rows of hair are not adequately functional with a thickness outside the range of 0.0625 and 0.125 inches. If the layer is too thick (more than 0.125 inches), the band begins to bow or bulge, yielding a noticeable flaw which is aesthetically displeasing. Alternatively, too thin a row fails to supply sufficient volume.

Method for Manufacture

In another aspect, a method for manufacturing the hair extension unit comprises: providing a band made of fabric or polymer; combining hair with the band in a first row along a length of the band and adjacent to the bottom end thereof using an adhesive; combining hair with the band in a second row along a length of the band and adjacent to the first row using the adhesive; and repeating to apply between six and ten rows of hair; wherein each of the rows of hair has a row thickness of between 0.0625 and 0.125 inches. With the rows of hair attached to the band at a first side thereof, attaching one or more clips to the band at a second side opposite the first side (opposite the hair).

REFERENCE SIGNS

-   Band (10) -   First row of hair (11 a) -   Second row of hair (11 b) -   Third row of hair (11 c) -   Fourth row of hair (11 d) -   Fifth row of hair (11 e) -   Sixth row of hair (11 f) -   Seventh row of hair (11 g) -   Eighth row of hair (11 h) -   Hair (20) -   Clips (30 a; 30 b; 30 c) -   Hair extension unit (100) -   Top end of band (TE) -   Bottom end of band (BE) 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hair extension unit, comprising: a band having a length and a width thereof, the width of the band extending from a bottom end to a top end, wherein the width of the band comprises between 0.75 and 1.25 inches; between six and ten rows of hair, the between six and ten rows comprising: a first row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the bottom end, a second row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the first row of hair, a third row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the second row of hair, a fourth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the third row of hair, a fifth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the fourth row of hair, and a sixth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the fifth row of hair; and one or more clips attached to the band at a side opposite the rows of hair.
 2. The hair extension unit of claim 1, wherein the hair comprises human hair.
 3. The hair extension unit of claim 1, wherein the sixth row of hair is attached to the band along the length and adjacent to the top end thereof.
 4. The hair extension unit of claim 1, comprising eight rows of hair.
 5. The hair extension unit of claim 1, wherein the between six and ten rows of hair further comprises: a seventh row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the sixth row of hair, and an eighth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the seventh row of hair.
 6. The hair extension unit of claim 5, wherein the eighth row of hair is attached to the band along the length and adjacent to the top end thereof.
 7. The hair extension unit of claim 5, wherein the between six and ten rows of hair further comprises: a ninth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the eighth row of hair, and a tenth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the ninth row of hair.
 8. The hair extension unit of claim 7, wherein the tenth row of hair is attached to the band along the length and adjacent to the top end thereof.
 9. The hair extension unit of claim 1, wherein each row of hair comprises a row thickness, and wherein, for each row of hair, said row thickness comprises between 0.0625 and 0.1250 inches.
 10. The hair extension unit of claim 1, wherein each row of hair is attached to the band by an adhesive.
 11. A hair extension unit, comprising: a band having a length and a width thereof, the width of the band extending from a bottom end to a top end, wherein the width of the band comprises between 0.75 and 1.25 inches; between six and ten rows of hair, the between six and ten rows comprising: a first row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the bottom end, a second row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the first row of hair, a third row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the second row of hair, a fourth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the third row of hair, a fifth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the fourth row of hair, a sixth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the fifth row of hair; a seventh row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the sixth row of hair, and an eighth row of hair being attached to the band along the length thereof and adjacent to the seventh row of hair; and one or more clips attached to the band at a side opposite the rows of hair.
 12. The hair extension unit of claim 11, wherein the hair comprises human hair.
 13. The hair extension unit of claim 11, wherein the eighth row of hair is attached to the band along the length and adjacent to the top end thereof.
 14. The hair extension unit of claim 11, wherein each row of hair comprises a row thickness, and wherein, for each row of hair, said row thickness comprises between 0.0625 and 0.1250 inches.
 15. The hair extension unit of claim 11, wherein each row of hair is attached to the band by an adhesive. 